Running for your life!

My weight issues were/are almost always a sinusoidal curve.  I have had moments when I could fit into size 2 and other when even size 8 would seem tight (I sit in the comfort curve, if you may )  And going by that, my exercise regimen also followed a similar pattern of rigorous followed by lull activity times.

I was never much of a runner.  I did disastrous relays at sports days and played kho-kho like no tomorrow, but that was it. Later it was only at 18, I treaded the Gold gym and enjoyed the aerobics sessions in the open terrace with the welcoming sea breeze of sultry Chennai. Later there were many moments of hot-yoga, kick boxing, boot camps, treadmills, weights et all and the gym genre had caught on in my twenties, although very haphazardly.

It was in the last couple of years that I had pressured N to join me and we had taken to hitting the road during the warmer months of the east coast. Although now, it’s a great mutual push for both of us and anything seems fun with company doesn’t it? This year we decided to get it in focus and took up the 5K challenge and completed it successfully and N did brilliantly (as I have already raved on that social networking site )

But, this time around I have established a completely different outlook. The only thing that used to keep me ticking before were the pretty dresses displayed at the consumerist-jingoism of the malls in the US. The feeling that you are never perfect for the standards set (by who or what is unfortunately never questioned). I am sure I am not alone when  I say that. Let me digress to say that it is for this very reason I developed a phobia to shopping and malls until recently.

So this time, running was a completely different experience – it taught me patience, endurance and focus. It no longer concerned me to crib about a gazillion people who could eat their heart’s content and never show up an iota heavier. It didn’t concern me that Ann Taylor has displayed a new range of dresses for the weak-hearted. It also didn’t concern me that I should strive to fit into my older skinny jeans to feel younger.

been there. Done that.

Running has kept me motivated, healthier, happier and definitely more fit! And that’s whats keeping my purposes in life on check! I am sure there many more challenges to go. 10K is hopefully my next aim before the end of the year. I totally love running now, for it seems to define who I am and not what I am expected to be. The shoes. the road. the iPod. the confidence. I am sure I can conquer the world if need be!

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When I had expressed doubts about finishing a 5K race, this is what drove(ran) the point home.

“Even if you finish last, remember you still beat the world parked on the couch“.  

Cross Posted here.